Category Archives: Celebrate Your Shape & Style!

//We all know that fabulous women come in all shapes and sizes with varying styles, and this series will showcase those women, while providing inspiration to TheDivaEsq readers. Hope you all enjoy each post and share your positive thoughts and comments!

Next Up, Xavi from Houston!

Q: How do you describe your body shape?

A: I would say that I have an full/hourglass shape. I am very short (5’2). I have a full bust, full hips, and large thighs. The smallest part of my waist is under my bust like a pear shape, but my shoulders/waist are similar proportions, making my figure lean more towards an hourglass.

Q: What is your personal style?

A: I would say that I go for the effortless beauty/ classy look. I like conservative/trendy pieces. I love cardigans and I try to incorporate them in my look whenever possible. I also am a minimalist when it comes to jewelry. My favorite statement pieces are earrings. I love to buy dresses and blouses that flow on my body, and belt them at the small of my waist. I tend to gravitate to softer fabrics, rather than heavy ones which make me look bigger in my waist or hips. I love kitten heels, wedges, and any feminine shoes which don’t hurt! I don’t subscribe to the “beauty is pain” theory. I love finding ways to be comfortable yet chic!

Q: Who is your style inspiration?

A: I wouldn’t say that I have a personal style inspiration. I am very eclectic when it comes to my style. I like to take pieces from various people and collections and make them my own.

Q: Any tips or advice for someone with your similar shape and style?

A: Definitely stay away from trendy looks that do not flatter your body type. There are ways do trends in a curve-conscious way. Although a body-con dress may not be in the cards, a sexy belted pencil skirt and tank may cause envious stares;) Embrace your body at the size that you currently are, and play up your best features.

//We all know that fabulous women come in all shapes and sizes with varying styles, and this series will showcase those women, while providing inspiration to TheDivaEsq readers. Hope you all enjoy each post and share your positive thoughts and comments! Also, check out this link for some celebrity inspiration for various shapes and styles!

Next up: “Nichi” from Houston!

1) How do you describe your body shape?
–I’d describe my body shape as toned and slender. For the most part, I’m slim with a slight figure.

2) What is your personal style?

–My personal style I’d have to say is casual classic. It’s hard to explain at times, but my closest friends can predict what I’d wear to a general casual event. I love prints, all kinds, especially African tribal fabrics (because I’m Nigerian). Whenever I shop, I immediately head to anything brightly colored or patterned–they catch my eye first. If an outfit lacks color, I add color with makeup, earrings and other accessories. Because I am so slim, I choose to highlight my body length and silhouette in my outfits like folded hem jeans with high heels or a tailored sheath dress. You’ll never find something trendy in my closet because I like clothes I can wear years down the line and not look silly. I never liked most apparel trends anyway. I like labels and sometimes buy them but I am much more likely to purchase something because of the fit. I cannot afford for my outfits to appear ‘too big’ or loose. Furthermore, I appreciate looks that can easily go from casual to more dressy with just a change of footwear. Versatility & comfort is paramount; I don’t believe in high maintenance.I have natural hair and a lot of times, my hair plays a huge role in my style. At times it can accentuate a mundane outfit. Because I don’t like my hair touching my shoulders, I love doing curly styles like large twistouts and bobby-pinned updos from braidouts and huge high buns that look elegant. Of course no look is complete without my Aggie Ring.

3) Who is your style inspiration?

-I don’t have one style inspiration, but I look to people who have similar body shape, long lean, small bust and waist with a slight figure. People like Zoe Saldana, Shaun Robinson, Kelly Rowland, and sometimes Victoria Beckham. I love stylists like Roland Mouret & Elie Saab who pay attention to slender feminine shapes in their designs.

4) Any tips or advice for someone with your similar shape and style?

-With my body type, most would think it’s easy to find clothing, but it can be a pain. In addition to my height, I am relegated to paying designer prices for pretty much all of my jeans. I would advise someone similar to get friendly with their tailors and become more creative. No longer is it okay to settle because it’s not your size, get it made or get it tailored for you. Get familiar with the designers and stores that make smaller clothes that aren’t skewed by ‘vanity sizing’ (the bane of my existence). Patterns and light colors give the illusion of more weight so don’t get stuck on dark and boring hues. You don’t always have to be matchy matchy either, throw a random bright color in your overall look with accessories or shoes. Highlight the positives in your body type, your face, especially your eyes, and hair. It’s all a total package.

//Thrifted top & day bag, & following with my love for versatility, an ASOS maxi dress turned into a maxi skirt

//We all know that fabulous women come in all shapes and sizes with varying styles, and this series will showcase those women, while providing inspiration to TheDivaEsq readers. Hope you all enjoy each post and share your positive thoughts and comments!

Let’s start with the uber fabulous Catherine from Dallas:

Q:How do you describe your body shape?

A: I have an hourglass, athletic shape.

Q: What is your personal style?

A: I love glamorous and feminine pieces with classic cuts and clean silhouettes. I’m most attracted to 50’s and 60’s inspired fashion which means that I love anything that is moderately conservative but still sexy/sophisticated. On casual days, you will find me in bright colors, but I understand the importance of that perfect black dress. I’m obSESSED with lipstick, and plan to rock various shades of red throughout fall.

A: Women with shapes like mine have bust and hip measurements that are approximately the same circumference. Your waist is much smaller and you have a healthy…bosom area. 😉 I also have “larger” arms, so I have to dress accordingly. First and foremost, I tend to stay away from shapeless shift dresses, or shapeless shirts/sweaters. The end result usually resembles a refrigerator box. I gravitate towards moderately form-fitting dresses that flatter my shape and ensure that my waistline is defined. Dresses with a structured silhouette, or shirts/dresses with an empire-waist flatter an hourglass figure wonderfully. I also love boat-neck and sweetheart necklines. Most importantly, unlike someone with a slimmer shape, because of my curves, I can’t rock a short AND cleavage-revealing outfit without looking 10 lbs heavier, and like a street walker. Nobody likes a fat prostitute. I either show my legs or (tasteful) cleavage. General rule of thumb for hourglass figures while shopping: If it makes you feel regal, it’s a winner!

And here are some of her fab looks:

//Work Wear

“I often wear structured dresses at work. This particular black dress was made by Anthony Milano. I highly recommend that all hour-glass shapes purchase a few of these for their wardrobes.”

“That perfect leather black purse. A necessary staple for any wardrobe. I had it made in Florence, Italy.”

“I love metal necklaces with a variety of texture. I paired this one with simple black studs. Both were purchased at Sam Moon.”

“The staple black pumps. I love these because the quilted texture and the patent leather make them a little different from other black pumps. They are made by Enzo Angiolini.”

//Night Out On The Town

“Bright lights big city! This “night out on the town” dress was made by Jessica Simpson. I love the boat-neck cut and the shorter length. Sexy and classy.”

“I chose silver and black statement earrings and a jeweled cocktail ring. The earrings were purchased at Forever 21, and the ring was a gift from a friend who I helped move. One woman’s junk is another woman’s treasure! Side note – If you wear statement earrings, DON’T pair it with a statement necklace and vice-versa. Pick one!”

“I purchased these bright beauties at Bakers. And while they’re cute, keep in mind that if you were to pair shoes like these with a…more revealing dress, they immediately jump from “fashionable” to “trashy.””

//Casual Chic

“This is one of my favorite casual outfits. I tend to choose shirts that elongate my torso and define my waist. I stay FAR away from shirts that are too tight or too short. Those don’t make me look sexy. They just make me look fat. I paired this shirt with dark (and muy comfy) skinny jeans. The shirt was purchased at Charlotte Rouse and the jeans are Forever 21.”

“I love this Coach purse. It’s somewhat of a staple in my wardrobe. The color allows me to pair it with both brown-based and black-based outfits. I wear it with every color. Except for blue. :)”

“These earrings are about 1.5 inches in diameter. They are gold with a silver detail and they add an element of class to an otherwise simple outfit.”